Who will take the reins of the dumpster fire that is H-Town pro football?

Unless you’ve been in hiding the last few days, you know Lovie Smith was promoted to fan by Houston Texans owner Cal McNair following Sunday’s debacle against the Indianapolis Colts.

McNair and a somewhat nervous general manager, Nick Caserio, announced the search for a new head coach has already begun, with Houston asking to speak with 5 candidates so far.

Houston Texans New Head Coach

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator

Johnson might just win “Overachiever of the Year” for 2022. The Lions, like their division rival Chicago Bears, were early favorites to compete for the #1 draft pick alongside the Texans. Thanks to Johnson, among others, the big cats from Detroit went 9-8, with the plus 26 point differential and were 5-1 against their division that includes the 13-4 Minnesota Vikings. Under Johnson, the Lions fielded the 7th best passing game, 11th best run game and their offense scored the 3rd most touchdowns. Hardly the marks of a team run by Cal McNair and his merry band of misfits.

CBSSports

Johnson, 36, is currently the offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions, coming off a season that ended very strong, kicking the Green Bay Packers out of the playoffs with a win in Week 18. Lions head coach Dan Campbell says Johnson is “worthy” of a head coaching job.

“I think a ton of him. I think he’s – I’ve said it before, I just think he’s extremely bright, he’s creative. He’s organized. He’s a great communicator. I mean, he just, he’s got it,” Campbell said, via the Detroit Free Press.

Demeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator

Ryans, a former Houston star linebacker, has a rocky past with the team. He filed suit against the Texans due to the ill-conceived pallet field, the same one allegedly responsible for Jadeveon Clowney’s horrific injury that derailed the former #1 draft picks early career. Hard to imagine Ryans wants anything to do with this dumpster fire, and has allegedly stated he has no interest in the job. But, this is the NFL silly season, where lies are as common as truth.

Jonathan Gannon, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator

Rumors abound that Gannon was actually Caserio’s main choice last off-season before the Brian Flores lawsuit and resulting PR disaster. We may never know how true that is, but Gannon is very well liked in league circles, admired as a rising star in the coaching ranks. He also has deep ties to Caserio. It’s also well documented Gannon could assemble a solid staff quickly and might present the quickest, clearest path forward for this floundering franchise.

USAToday

In his first season as defensive coordinator, Gannon’s Eagles’ defense surrendered 5.2 yards per play, tied for the seventh-fewest in the league. The Eagles were tied with the Bears and Panthers for the fifth-fewest takeaways in the NFL with 16.

This season, Gannon’s defense was among the top units in the NFL, finishing No. 1 overall in total defense, No. 1 against the pass, and 8th in the NFL in points allowed.

Ejiro Evero, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator

The last time the Texans got anything from the Broncos it was historically bad. Evero might help erase that stain, but his passing defense actually gave up more air yards in 2022 than the Texans. He did field a top-10 run defense, however. But, given the choice between him and Gannon, it’s an easy decision. On paper at least.

Shane Steichen, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator

Steichen has the 3rd ranked offense in total yards, 8th ranked passing game and 5th ranked rushing attack in 2022. The Eagles are certainly one of the better teams in the NFC, thanks in large part to Gannon and Steichen. Is he ready for the next step? Since his name has already surfaced in interview requests for the Baby Horses, Carolina Panthers and Texans, with more expected, it seems the belief is he will succeed at the next level.

The Houston Texans New Head Coach is…